What Should I Look for in a University with Echocardiogram Technician Degree Programs?

To prepare for a job as an echocardiogram technician, you'll need to learn about human anatomy as well as imaging techniques and technologies. When selecting a school, look for those that will allow you to get experience operating sonography equipment in on-campus laboratories. You'll also want to make sure the school you choose can provide you with ample clinical practicums.

A program's accreditation is worth considering as well. Graduating from an echocardiogram technician program approved by such agencies as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) can qualify you to sit for voluntary certification exams offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

What Are Three Well-Known Universities with Echocardiogram Technician Degree Programs?

Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City

The Oklahoma City branch of this state university system provides career training and transfer programs primarily at the associate's level. Its Health Sciences Division offers programs in such areas as nursing, radiography and dietetic technology. In the Associate of Applied Science in Echocardiography program, you can learn about equipment instrumentation, cardiovascular anatomy and imaging techniques in the classroom as well as the lab. Additional hands-on practice is available through four clinical rotations. Since this program is accredited by CAAHEP, you'll be qualified to sit for professional certification examinations once you graduate.

Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, OR

As part of the Oregon University System, the Oregon Institute of Technology is the region's sole accredited, public school of technology. A Bachelor of Science in Echocardiography is available through its Medical Imaging Technology Department. This degree completion program includes topics in pediatric echocardiography, patient management techniques, stress testing and invasive cardiology in addition to four semester's worth of externship experiences. You'll also be able to utilize cutting-edge laboratories at the school's Center for Health Professions and gain clinical experience at the nearby Sky Lakes Medical Center.

University of Minnesota - Rochester

This campus officially became a part of the University of Minnesota System in 2006 and has grown to offer degree programs in electrical engineering, health sciences, business administration and other fields. If you pursue the echocardiography track in the university's Bachelor of Science in Health Professions program, you'll need to be trained as a nurse assistant or other health care professional before you can take on upper-level coursework. Once you're admitted, you'll have the opportunity to benefit from the university's partnership with the Mayo Clinic, which awards a certificate to program graduates in addition to the bachelor's degree granted by the university. You'll also qualify to sit for professional certification exams when you complete this CAAHEP-accredited program.